NIEDERREITER FOR CLUTTERBUCK
The Minnesota Wild acquired winger Nino Niederreiter from the New York Islanders for winger Cal Clutterbuck and a third-round draft pick (70th overall) in 2013.
What does it give the Minnesota Wild
In Niederreiter, the Wild get a very talented winger with a ton of potential--but also with a few warts. He butted heads a bit with Islanders management but there is little doubt of his ability. Clutterbuck was set to become a restricted free agent so the Wild needed to shed a bit of salary and managed to do so with this move. He'll eventually join a growing group of talented forwards in Minnesota.
What does it give the New York Islanders
Clutterbuck joins a burgeoning Islanders franchise that already has big hitters ({P Matt Martin}) and shift disturbers ({P Casey Cizikas}). Clutterbuck provides both elements, plus some two-way acumen and decent skill. It's possible that they'll all play together on an aggravating third or fourth line, which makes the Isles a much better team when the playoffs roll around. The third rounder was a bonus.
Fantasy impact
Niederreiter may need to push a few other players aside in order to have an impact right away in Minnesota, fantasy-wise, but his keeper-league value remains very very high. Clutterbuck will continue to be a source for hits on Long Island, and the rest of his fantasy impact will be steady.
